Run3D finds its legs with Oxford

Run3D, a new UK-based bio-engineering firm aimed at helping runners to avoid injury, has been spun out from the University of Oxford (UO).

Initial investment for Run3D has come from The Oxford Technology Combined Seed Enterprise Investment and Enterprise Investment Scheme Fund, managed by Oxford Technology Management, for an undisclosed sum. Other  partners include the University of Calgary, venture fund Technikos, which has a long term commercial partnership with UO’s Institute of Bio-medical engineering, and the Oxford University Hospitals NHS trust, which were involved with the incubation of the technology used by Run3D.

The firm will provide computerised three-dimensional assessment of a runner’s gait to prevent overuse injuries that affect half of all runners.

Run 3D chief executive officer Dr Jessica Leitch said, “Run3D’s unique and rigorous approach provides an objective and scientific service, which delivers an effective and evidence-based programme that is tailored very specifically to that individual.”

Lucius Cary, founder of Oxford Technology Management said: “We are delighted to be investing in Run3D Ltd, a spin-out from Oxford University.  There are now 2m people who run regularly in the UK, and statistically, 1m of these will develop running-related injuries in the course of the next 12 months. Jessica Leitch, who as well as having a DPhil in the biomechanics of running, is also an international runner, having represented Wales, and is the perfect person to provide a service to runners which, by analysing their gait in never-before-achieved 3D detail, will be able to help them to run better and to avoid injury.”

Isis Innovation, the technology transfer office for UO, handled the spin-out. The launch of the new company marks the third bio-engineering spin-out to come out from the University over the course of 2012.